John Arne Riise (born September 24, 1980 in Molde) is a
Norwegian football player who currently plays for Liverpool F.C.
He has earlier played for AS Monaco and Aalesunds F.K.
Riise made his debut for Liverpool in the European Super Cup
game against Bayern Munich in September 2001. He scored a tap-in
in the first half from a Michael Owen cross. Liverpool went on
to win the game 3-2, after leading it 3-0. Riise initially wore
the number 18 shirt, but as from the 2004-2005 season, wears the
number 6 shirt, vacated by Markus Babbel.
He went on to score a brilliant solo effort in the Merseyside
derby on the immediate Saturday following the September 11
atrocities at Goodison Park. Liverpool won the game 3-1.
In that season of 2001-2002, he finished with 10 goals in total
for the club, an admirable return for a player who played at
left full-back on many occasions during the season.
Some of his other more memorable goals have been:
vs Manchester United: he scored a 20-yard free-kick on the 4
November 2001. The goal was so exceptional that Liverpool fans
still sing a song about it in his honour.
vs Arsenal: Liverpool were enduring a poor run of results and
were 1-0 down to Arsenal. A superb through-ball from Steven
Gerrard allowed Riise the chance to score from a one-on-one with
Richard Wright. He produced a very cool finish under pressure.
vs Ipswich: Riise scored two early goals in this game which came
on the last day of the 2001-2002 season. Whilst the goals were
of doubtless quality, they are probably considered most
important because Liverpool needed to win the match to ensure a
second-place finish in the Premiership. They went on to do just
that with a 5-0 win.
Riise is renowned for his shooting power on his favoured left
foot and excellent stamina.
He endured what were considered below-average seasons by most in
2002-2003 and 2003-2004, but seems to have rediscovered his form
and confidence in the 2004-2005 season, following the
appointment of Rafael Benitez as manager.
During the 2003-2004 season Riise has played an important part
in Liverpool's season, his acheivements include scoring a vital
first goal against Charlton at Anfield, an impressive brace
against West Bromwich Albion away, and a fantastic volley in the
Carling Cup Final against Chelsea after just forty-three seconds,
although Liverpool eventually lost the Final 3-2 AET.
